What is a Fit-Up and What Can It Do for Your Building?

Office at 900 Biscayne Bay, designed and built by Telesco Associates and Telesco Construction.

Learn how you can use it to attract more commercial tenants

In most places around the U.S., the real estate market is strong, both for residential and commercial properties. With all of the competition, it’s up to owners to do whatever they can to attract buyers and renters and get them to sign on the dotted line. This can be challenging, especially for owners of commercial properties.

Let’s say, for example, that you have a beautiful building that would be perfect for a variety of different businesses. It may even be move-in ready, and it’s very possible that a prospective tenant’s operation could be up and running quickly.

Great scenario, right? Well, it is if specific types of businesses are interested. But what if you get approached by a company that likes the space and location but isn’t crazy about some of the features? They would love to seal the deal on the property, but there are certain things that would need to change. What would you do?

This is where a fit-up comes in.

A Fit-Up, defined

A fit-up, also referred to as a fit-out or build-out, is the act of transforming a space to accommodate the specific requirements of a tenant. This could include things like changing the lighting, designing ways to better use space, or perhaps choosing the right colors and furniture. Essentially, a fit-up is the process of making a tenant as happy as possible with their new investment.

How can a fit-up benefit you?

Simply put, a fit-up gives you the best chance to bring in a variety of tenants. If you are open and willing to alter your building in order to meet the specific needs of a business, it is a huge selling point. And if you own a building with several offices, a fit-up gives you the ability to shape each of them specifically for the individual companies that will inhabit them.

These days, new business owners – particularly those who run startups – don’t want to work in the same types of offices their grandparents or even parents did. They are looking for a unique workspace that’s functional but also embodies their company culture. Office space is now also a huge recruitment tool. In order to lure the best candidates, businesses are starting to put a much bigger emphasis on their office setup and design, and cubicles and boring features just don’t seem to send the right message.

What’s the best way to get a quality fit-up?

A fit-up is never a one-size-fits-all proposition. Even two different businesses in the same industry will have their own special needs. This is why it’s important to bring in a firm that can handle any kind of fit-up. Because so many aspects of a space could be altered, the team behind the project has to be familiar with everything, from architectural components to interior design.

Do you have a current tenant or prospect in need of a fit-up? Get in touch with Telesco Construction. Our firm has years of experience both designing and building numerous commercial buildings, as well as providing fit-ups. To discuss the project, call us at 305.390.0250 or contact us through our online form.